Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, open my ears to hear what you have to say to me; open my heart to love your word, and open my mind to understand your truth.
In today’s chapter Joel looks ahead from the disaster of the day, imagining it as a mere foretaste of the judgement to come. Israel’s relationship with God is not as it should be and it’s a serious business requiring urgent action.
In verses 1–11, the scene unfolds in cinematic fashion. Blow a trumpet to sound the alarm – there’s an army on the horizon! And it’s the army of the LORD himself, ready to carry out his orders with authority, power and ruthless efficiency.
‘The day of the LORD is great and very awesome; who can endure it?’ (verse 11). We’re left in no doubt that nobody would survive.
But just when we think the axe is going to fall, God shows mercy. ‘“Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning: and rend your hearts and not your garments”’ (verse 12–13a). It’s a completely undeserved reprieve, so why does God offer it?
In verse 13b: ‘[God] is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster,’ Joel echoes Exodus 34.6–7, reminding the people of how God spared the Israelites when they worshiped a golden calf in the wilderness instead of him. It’s completely in line with his character and track record.
Verses 18 onwards describe God’s compassion on his land and repentant people. It’s a picture of complete restoration and abundant blessing. Not only that, but the day is coming, when he will pour out his Spirit on all flesh (verse 28) and ‘everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.’ By the incredible, undeserved grace of God, ‘those whom the LORD calls’ will escape final judgement (verse 32)!
Thank you Lord Jesus for fulfilling the promises in today’s passage by dying in my place and facing the judgement I deserve. Thank you for your Spirit living within me, transforming and enabling me to love God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.
This reflection was written by Esther King, Digital Communications Officer at Bible Society
Read the Bible 
Processing...